By Simon Gregory.
It was another memorable weekend for Drogheda & District AC, with athletes producing outstanding performances on both the track and the road, highlighted by an All Ireland title, category victories, podium finishes and a host of personal bests.
The club’s juvenile athletes were first in action at the All Ireland B Track & Field Championships in Tullamore, where they competed in extremely challenging conditions during the final outdoor track event of the season.
The standout performance came from Cian Bolton, who was crowned All Ireland B U13 600m Champion after winning the final in style. To cap off an incredible run, Cian also set a new championship record, bringing home national gold for the club. COngratulations to Cian, DDAC are very proud of you and your well earned achievements.
There were plenty more impressive performances from the DDAC youngsters. Yasaman Nuri finished 14th in the Long Jump (3.92m) before returning to record a personal best of 2:33 in the U14 800m, finishing 9th overall. Hannah Cunningham placed 5th overall in the U15 800m, while Dani Nolan secured an excellent 5th place in the Shot Put.
Darragh Minogue narrowly missed out on a top-five finish, placing 6th overall in the U13 600m, while Beatrice Cunningham finished 7th overall in the U16 800m. Strong performances also came from Keeley Nolan, Clodagh Johnston and Dearbhla Johnston, rounding off an excellent championship for the club’s juvenile squad.
The club’s senior athletes also enjoyed an excellent weekend of racing.
At the Irish Life Fingal 10K, Brian Martin continued his outstanding form with a superb 5th place overall finish in 33:29, while also winning the M40 category. Yasmin Canning claimed another category success by winning the W50 category in 42:24.
There were more strong performances from Thomas Breen, who crossed the line in 36:54, while Robbie Farrell celebrated a new personal best with an excellent 40:02. Margarita Vaitkute also represented the club with distinction.
Meanwhile, at the Termonfeckin Half Marathon and 4 Mile, DDAC athletes were well represented across both races.
In the Half Marathon, Sergii Raschupkin produced an outstanding run to finish 2nd overall in 1:13:01, while Ruaidhri Nolan also secured a top-five finish, placing 5th overall in 1:17:27.
The club also recorded a superb result in the 4 Mile, where Bobby Daly finished 5th overall in 24:21. Strong performances followed from Anna Isgrò, Stephanie Caffrey, Andrea McArdle, Eimear Marron, Helen Dillon, Karen O’Connell, Yvonne Russell, Warlen Cristian Pimentel and Martin Woods.
Rounding off an outstanding weekend for the club, Aaron Hanlon delivered another superb performance at the Edenderry 10 Mile, claiming 3rd place overall in an impressive 49:47. It was another podium finish for the talented DDAC athlete and a fitting end to a weekend packed with success for the club.
From national titles and championship records to podium finishes, category victories and personal bests, it was another hugely successful weekend for Drogheda & District AC. Congratulations to every athlete who proudly wore the red singlet!
